Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Jan 13, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2004 Audi Allroad Quattro 2.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: WA1YD64BX4 The car originally came in with fuel trim rich codes. We found one o2 sensor not responding, and replaced it, drove thru monitors and codes came back. The freeze frame showed the indicated readings at idle, and fuel trim short: -12, and long term: -5.5, both b... Trouble codes: P0175, P0172	View
	2002 BMW X5 3.0i 3.0L blower/main VIN: 5UXFA535X2 Blower runs all the time. scanner data shows voltage changes when comanded/cked volts@connector was same as scanner data.has power all the time@tem#2 yellow/geen wire(alldata shows wire should be red/blue)I have tryed cust3 power stages&A new one from worldpac...	View
	2007 BMW 650i 4.8L parking assist VIN: WBAEK13557 hello iatn members.bmw came in to our shop from bodyshop due to parking assist inop after rear bumper got a new paint job. the car naver been in accident and before the paint job park assist did working okay.check all wiring connectors no issue there.pull the ...	View
	1994 Chevrolet K1500 Cheyenne 5.7L Transmission shiftin VIN: 1GCEK14K1R Hey guys, thanks in advance for any help. Have this 1994 chevy k1500 4x4. Owner bought truck with no motor or trans. Installed motor and trans himself. After he installed it he brought it to us for a multitude of problems. The last of which is that the transmi...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer North Face 4.2L valves VIN: 1GNDT13S83 Truck brought into shop running ok but with noise complaint. Loud, rythmic tapping noise similar to rod knock but comming from top end. Removal of camshaft cover revealed clyinder #4 intake valve rocker had slid off the top of the valve and was pushing down on...	View
	2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4.2L oil light VIN: 1GNDT13S15 Thanks for all your help in advance. This suv came in for an oil change and filter. Along with the thermostat needed to be changed because the car would not warm up enough. We cleared the change oil soon light. However the picture of the oil can with the light...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.5L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G1WB55K76 Vehicle was towed in a couple of weeks back for no start. Codes were checked with multiple codes for misfire, MAP, and for other areas. Not sure of all because another mechanic erased them. After replacing parts car started and ran good. we delivered car to cu... Trouble codes: P0106 (Map sensor performance), P0107 (Map sensor voltage)	View
	2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LS 2.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G1AK15F97 Hi ,hope somone may have this code poo16 runs great.code comes right back after clearing just by starting the car.trying to get it to pass nys inspection.scoped cam & crank sensors both look good.i used snap on verus readngs with ones on scanner.this engine do... Trouble codes: P0016	View
	1999 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.2L Starting VIN: 2B3HD56J6X This car came to my shop for a no start condition. The battery was dead, we charged it for 3 hrs or so then tried to start it. The starter solenoid chattered. We put new starter on it then it started right up. Pulled it to the parking lot shut it off tried to ...	View
	2004 Dodge Ram 3500 ST 5.9L Excessive Emissions, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 3D7MU48C14 Customer states that the engine will loose power, "glow plug" light comes on. Smokes white. This problem is intermittent, seems to happen when loaded and in windy conditions. Customer drove 900 miles yesterday with no problem. Noticed that the boost pressure i... Trouble codes: P0148 (Deviation between Set point and actual pressure), P2607 (Low voltage at intake air heater relay), P0483 (Fan speed to high or low), P0524 (Low oil pressure)	View
	2006 Dodge Magnum SXT 3.5L air bag system Greetings: Vehicle came in for 3 concerns:No start, fuel gauge reads half and air bag light always on. Added 1 gl gas and vehicle starts. Gauge malfunction. Pid off on one of the sending units. Ordered module (national back order), eta 1/13. Checked for abs ...	View
	1991 Ford F-150 Custom 5.0L Fuel goes from back VIN: 1FTDF15N4M Customer states that after that repair was done(fuel pump installed in frt tank &fuel filter), that every time he fills the back tank up with fuel and switches the dash switch to the rear tank that all fuel pumps directly to the frt tank.switching back to frt ...	View
	2004 Ford Focus SE 2.3L ABS Light VIN: 1FAFP34234 Hi all, This vehicle came in with an intermittent ABS light on, diagnosed it & found to be a faulty cluster- red light would flash occasionally also.(Just in case someone goes nuts with one.. the wiring diagram says the ABS module grounds the circuit...to ...	View
	2008 Ford E-250 4.6L planetary assy VIN: 1FTNE24W98 This is more of a question to get some input from transmission experts. This r70w transmission was rebuilt 2000 miles ago due to the planet assy let go. The trans was completely rebuilt, new converter & cooler lines flushed good. I have rebuilt many of these t...	View
	2008 Ford E-250 4.6L Tpms VIN: 1FTNE24W88 I purchased this vehicle recently with the TPMS light on. I assumed it was due to low/bald tires. I replaced the tires and attempted the relearn procedure with no success. I have tried it on two similar vans with success so I know I'm doing it right. The ligh...	View
	2004 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE 6.6L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1GTJK33164 Hello, everyone. This is the first time this vehicle has been at my shop. Excessive white smoke...smells like over fueling. No coolant loss, oil level is OK. The problem lessens after warmup, but still excessive smoke. No codes. The balance rate of injector #2...	View
	1995 Honda Civic LX 1.5L hed gasket VIN: JHMEG8656S could use some help with this one n95 honda civic 1.5l blown head gasket bought the car a month ago with bad head gasket sent head to machine shop to be checked and have seal put in two weeks later blown head gasket got a multilayer steel gasket one week l;ate...	View
	1993 Infiniti G20 2.0L Charging VIN: JNKCP01D1P This customer complained of a dimly lit "brake/battery" light on while driving and an occasional dead while driving situation. I checked it and found the charging system to be working correctly and no lights on, dim or otherwise. The customer was willing and a...	View
	2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 3.5L Misfire VIN: 4S2DF58X33 car came in would not start. replaced timing belt and waterpump. engine starts but only runs on right bank. checked timing alignment 3 times. fuel injectors are working has spark. pulled coil connectors on left side. idle stays the same pull coils on right sid... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	1987 Jeep Wrangler 4.2L Fuel Guage VIN: 2BCCV81J6H Help i have an old jeep and it seems to be winning the battle. Customer came in after just purchasing the jeep with a list of problems. The main problem was the fuel guage not working at all was the beginning of my nightmare. We tested the sending unit and it ...	View
	1999 Kia Sportage 2.0L No Start, No injector pulse VIN: KNDJB7237X Hi Kia Techs, This Sportage came into the shop as a no start. I checked it for spark and it is good, but it has no injector pulse. I have manually grounded the injectors with the key on and I can hear them pulsing. I have scoped CMP and CKP signals together an...	View
	2003 Kia Sedona EX 3.5L Mechanical VIN: KNDUP131X3 Ok, its the end of the day. Can't get this out of my mind. We got one here that giving me some questions. Would like some answer before see the car again tomorrow. Car came in with overheating problem. The obvious problem was a busted radiator and we recommend...	View
	1982 Lincoln Continental Signature 5.0L caarbuetor VIN: 1MRBP98F9C Runs rich, sooty spark plugs, have to keep carburetor butterfly almost closed to get it to run. When the engine warms and the choke opens, it runs rough, and dies. Replaced electronic carburetor with an early model mechanical two-barrel which we rebuilt, and h...	View
	1990 Mercedes-Benz 300SE 3.0L No Start, Poor Idle Quality car is hard to start,once started is fine,check all components above to no avail,this is a nightmare first mercedes to work in it i really, really appreciate your help	View
	1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 2.3L Unknown VIN: WDBHA24G3X This car has been towed to the shop after no gas pedal response condition.the customer said it happened right after a jump start due to battery drain.there are no present codes.we changed maf,reset ecm by pressing gas pedal all the way to floor while ignition ...	View
	2007 Nissan Armada SE 5.6L rear hatch VIN: 3NJ73RTL77 I need some help on this one. push the rear hatch button nothing happens, so I check out inputs from switches and find latch bent from rear end wreck, so i replaced it everything seems find now the auto clinch system works look up on all data and find a operat...	View
	2003 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L No Start VIN: 1G2WK52J93 Hello everyone. This vehicle came in with a no start condition. First off i have no communication to my scanner at the dlc. I am getting 12.5v at the power wire and i am getting .35v-.25v at the signal data wire. My modis will power up but not communicate. Eve...	View
	2000 Toyota Echo 1.5L No Start VIN: JTDBT1239Y this toyota quits runninng very intermittently some times start cold quits in 5 minutes some times takes hours when it does it you cant communicate with the ecm it doesent give you much time to check things because it will start again within 30 seconds or a co...	View
	2007 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5L pulling VIN: 4T1BK36BX7 Hello all. By the time I write this help request, I have pulled my hair out and tried to take my own life. I have this nice Toyota that pulls right. Enough to make driving a problem, I have: Aligned 100% to spec, changed to new tires, multiple alignments, rota...	View
	1995 Volkswagen EuroVan Camper 2.5L Mechanical VIN: 1WVAE0703S We just did a valve job on this Eruo Van and need to know a easy way to set the timing on this. We don't have all the stuff that VW wants us to use.	View
	2000 Volkswagen Golf GTI GLS 1.8L relay inop. VIN: WVWDH21J1Y Hello Group, Relay for secondary air injection is not getting 12v to terminal 85 from I wire on wiring diagram.Tracing the circuit,I wire goes to connector 87A of the engine wiring harness.Sounds like a relay output terminal,however I cannot find this connect...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWCT21CX1 We have a vehicle that keeps coming back with same two codes P1128,P1255. We have already changed the mass air flow sensor and the coolant temp sensor and vehicle still sets codes. No driveability issues and both sensors are working properly. We have also done... Trouble codes: P1128 (fuel trim bank 1 mult system too lean), P1255 (coolant temp sensor short with ground)	View
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Glow plug This car was bought at auction and brought to me by a local dealer for a long crank and hard start. I ohmed the glow plugs and found two of the four wrer out of spec ,simple enough or so I thought. When I went to install the new glow plugs I found #3 just spin...	View
	2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T 2.0L Rear Calipers VIN: WVWAK73C07 Rear caliper wont retract after commanding with scan tool -- could hear motors run	View
	2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T 2.0L Parking Brake VIN: WVWAK73C07 Used scan tool to retract electric parking brake -- did rear brake job -- lr electric works fine -- rt rear no motor operation (no power to it) worked fine on arrival -- parking brake fault displayed on message center.	View
	1999 Volvo S70 2.4L readiness monitors VIN: YV1LS55A3X thermostat replaced 6 weeks ago, code cleared. failed State Inspection for readiness monitors. I have cleared,reset, and drive cycled till I'm blue in the face. No codes, Only O2 heater will go ready. all mode 6 and generic looks good. my Launch will not commu...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2002 Audi A4 1.8L Heater VIN: WAULC68E72 Hello again, We had 9 responses on this car and for some reason most suggested things that were already done according to my post. We did borrow a UVIEW 550000 Airlift from another shop (we have never used one) and the heat is now fine!! What puzzles me is th...	12
	2003 BMW 330i 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAEV53463 Thanks go out to everyone who suggested the harness replacement. I installed an ECM harness in this vehicle - it's actually pretty straightforward and not too heinous (as harnesses go.) I'm sending the vehicle out today and we'll see if it ever comes back - I ... Trouble codes: P1632 (Throttle Valve Adaptation - conditions not met), P1634 (Throttle Valve Spring Test - Test failed).	8
	1999 Cadillac Seville SLS 4.6L complete cluster VIN: 1G6KS54Y3X Sorry Guy's & gal's Customer has chosen to hold off on repairs for now. My plan was to get a TECH 2 to complete testing. We will get the vehicle back in the spring. When we complete repairs I"ll post the correction here. Thank you!!	6
	1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L Starter VIN: 1G1NE52M0W I thought I had eliminated this as a possibility by using a set of jumper cables to go from the battery negative to the engine, adding a ground circuit, but apparently that wasn't good enough. The problem did end up being the negative battery cable! You guys...	32
	2000 Chevrolet Express 2500 5.7L fuel pressure VIN: 1GCGG25R3Y i would like to thank everyone who replied to my post. I was leary of it being the fuel pump because i had put one in it a while back but after a few test to rule out the regulator and everything else i went with the fuel pump. and that fixed it. so once again...	20
	2002 Chevrolet S10 4.3L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1GCCS14W92 Thank you for all the replies. Have you ever asked a question that the second it comes out your mouth (or posted) you already know the answer. Dropped tank and the strainer is coated in milk chuncks. Never knew milk would leave such a residue. power washer ...	15
	2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2L No Start VIN: 1G1JC12F14 after confirming that vehicle would fire on second key cycle elected to replaced electrical portion of ignition switch and that fixed problem and vehicle started immediately on first key cycle.	20
	2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS 5.3L tcase-ftdf VIN: 3GNFK16Z54 thanks guys for your reponse. we found a ruff bearing in the out-put of the transfer case. front shaft side. thanks again ron	6
	2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LTZ 3.5L No crank No Comm VIN: 1G1ZU638X6 Ok...It runs. Thank you for all the suggestions. It was the pcm that was no good for that particular vehicle. I was told by Marty that because the PCM in this vehicle only uses GMLAN and no serial data line that the pcm from a car with serial data would not wo...	15
	2007 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.9L Horn VIN: 2G1WS55R97 thanx everyone ya hit it right on the head, replaced fuse box with used one worked perfect. again thanks!	5
	1998 Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.8L Fuel System VIN: 1C4GP54L2W Than Hit it on the head. Replaced the dash unit with a junkyard unit and have had no problems since. This one is fixed and customer happy.	8
	2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.8L Starting VIN: 2D4GP44L23 Well thanks to all, it turned out to be the PCM again. Dropping the 8.0 and 5.0 Ref. Voltage after it heats up,cools down and starts back up. I guess we're going to quit replace Chrysler PCM we can't find anybody that can rebuild one and get it right the first...	10
	2003 Dodge Stratus R/T 3.0L incomplete monitors VIN: 4B3AG52H73 Thanks for all your help, I am still unable to get these 2 monitors to run. I used an NTK sensor on replacement, the vehicle has no batt temp sensor, no pending codes, ran drive cycle to the T on a dyno and on the street, has a new OE thermostat and IAT and EC...	9
	1990 Ford Aerostar XL 3.0L Cooling Systems VIN: 1FMDA31U5L I DID PREFORM A LIQUID BLOCK/HEADGASKET TEST & VAN PASSED, ALSO I DID INSTALL THE FIVE GAS IN TOP PART OF RADIATOR TO CHECK FOR COMBUSTION GASES- NONE FOUND. ALSO WHEN I INSTALLED THE TERMOSTAT THE SECOND TIME I PUT A PIECE OF ASPRIN TO HOLD IT OPEN TO INSURE ...	17
	2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L No start cold VIN: 1FTWW33F61 THE CUSTOMER FINALLY BROUGHT TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE, WE DID A SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE AND UNFORMED HIM THAT IT WOULD REQUIRE NEW INJECTORS. THANKS FOR ALL THE REPLIES, WE WERE SUSPECTING WORN INJECTORS AS THE TRUCK HAS OE HI MILEAGE INJECTORS, AND IT RUNS ROUGH FOR...	27
	2003 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L Pass Side Cyd Head VIN: 1FTRX18W33 Pulled engine and tore down, found lots of debris in oil passage (was at a mine lots of grit outside of engine)also found main brgs and rod brgs were in bad shape, so cleaned out oil passages,replaced brgs,right side cyl head,customer is paying for parts and s...	20
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L egr system VIN: 1FTNF20P03 Thanks for all the help again,I found the after market air filter the cause,Lots of good info	14
	2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L rear end Damaged pinion bearing due to my helper tring to crush the sleeve with an impact wrench. some things you should do your self. Thanks for all the help	19
	1995 Honda Civic DX 1.5L No Start VIN: 1HGEG8540S Thanks for all the help;the problem after all was very dirty injectors due to excessive dirt in the tank and filter. I cleaned the injectors running on 3M cleaner and flushed the tank and refilled to make it start. WE've had very cold mornings the last two day...	17
	2005 Hummer H2 6.0L heated seats VIN: 5GRGN22UX5 Needed heater element in lower seat cussion. Thanks for the insight. We ended up sending the car to our chevy dealer to have them look at it since they had just given it to us. Got the call a few days later, tech didn't give me too much information about hi...	5
	1993 Isuzu Trooper S 3.2L Clutch VIN: JACDH58V7P Well thanks for all the good info everyone. While I think we have 2 issues going on here Flywheel resurfacing and air in system, changing the bleed procedure seem to improve the problem the most. Ended up raising the rear of the vehicle about 2 feet and repeat...	16
	1992 Lexus LS400 4.0L Heater Control VIN: JT8UF11E5N After removal of the glove box and much of the HVAC controls and duct's we found due to the heater valve on the firewall leaking coolant into the cable that the cable froze and was bent up too bad at the servo to repair. We disconnected the cable and watched t...	5
	1985 Mazda RX-7 GS 1.1L No Start, Hard start VIN: JM1FB3310F We were able to determine that the problem with this vehicle was with the choke operation, the butterfly was not moving when the choke was pulled. Would need the choke assembly replaced; the springs and linkages that bolt to the carb. Customer wasn't able to d...	15
	2004 Mazda 6 S 3.0L Excessive Emissions, No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1YVHP80D84 This is a not fixed case. The customer delayed the troubeshooting but now have info in hand. I could not figure why I could not add more info so, putting information into the forums technical discussion area if anyone cares to add more info. Trouble codes: P0443, P0102, P2088, P2092, P1487, P0403.	5
	2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX 3.5L low beams VIN: 1G3WH52H5Y Well after hours of looking for the relay I gave up and began anew looking at the wiring. (Both GM and MOD do not have the headlight relay in their locaters) I had begun earlier looking at suspect wiring around headlights but to no avail. That is when I spent ...	4
	2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5L Windows VIN: 1G3GR64H01 Well this car is fixed it was a broken ground wire in the pass though grommet on drivers door after repairing all window and lock work normal. I burned myself when I only pull grommet back a little ways to inspect wiring harness first time. tryed wiggle test b...	7
	1999 Suzuki Vitara JS 2.0L No Start VIN: 2S3TE52V2X i'm going to close this even thou itss not done. you should always stick with first thought. which was compression test. no compression. the cam timing chain broke enghine is junk. thats what happens when i get to busy. thaks Trouble codes: P0340.	8
	1983 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8L Misfire VIN: JT2MA67L4D Thanks for all the input. Cooling system held pressure, and no head gasket issue. Performed leak down test, starting to develope some blow by - around 12 to 15 percent, but not the issue. I removed injector rail and watched spray patern of each injector. Sure ...	13
	1990 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0L Back Door Electrical Window VIN: JT3VN39WXL Well, this one is fixed, the culprit was a bad door lock detection switch, even though it was reading o.k. when tested, it was not good. we replaced both door switches, the door light went off and the rear window is opening and closing normally. I want to let ...	14
	2003 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7L abs VIN: JTDBT48A93 Thanks to all that replied.tech that did the brakes my have had the key on when pumping up the pedal. knowlege is power.	8
	1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L Cruise VIN: 3VWSA29M6X Like the one Graeme fixed with every test correct but the cruise was still inoperative due to a faulty turn signal switch, this VWs problem was the Adatation of the throttle body (which was the first thing I checked which both the VAG 1552 and the Ross Tech Va...	9
	1994 Volvo 960 2.9L No Start VIN: YV1KS9502R Hello Guys I am happy to report this little car is fixed. Anders nailed it with the coolant temp sensor. I knew it had to be that or the actual wiring the only two components yet to be changed. the ironic twist to the whole thing is the donor car we borrowed t... Trouble codes: 131 (engine speed signal from ignition system absent).	8
	1995 Volvo 940 2.3L engine VIN: YV1JW8312S THE VOLVO FINALY QUIT ALL TOGETHER. TURNS OUT THE CAM PIN SHEARED CAUSING THE MECHANICAL TIMING TO BE OFF EVEN THOUGH THE TIMING MARKS ALL LINED UP. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUGGESTIONS IATN IS THE BEST.	19
	2005 Volvo S40 T5 2.5L No Start VIN: YV1MH682X5 The customer did not want to spend any money on this car, so we never really were able to solve the problem. Many replies suggested CTS, fuel press regulators etc., all these were checked and within specs. So unless he changes his mind, we'll never know for ...	10

(Also Available: All, Asian, Chrysler, European, Ford, GM.)